Centre Moves to Secure LPG Supply; No Immediate Impact Expected in Guwahati

Centre Moves to Secure LPG Supply; No Immediate Impact Expected in Guwahati

The Union government has invoked emergency measures to safeguard liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) supplies amid rising concerns that the ongoing US–Israel–Iran conflict could disrupt global fuel supply chains.

Officials say the steps are aimed at ensuring households across India—including those in Guwahati and Assam—continue to receive uninterrupted cooking gas supplies despite volatility in global energy markets.

The Government of India has directed domestic refiners to increase LPG production to prevent supply disruptions amid rising tensions in the Middle East. India imports nearly two-thirds of its LPG demand, and the move aims to ensure stable cooking gas availability for households across the country, including Guwahati.

Why the Government Issued the Directive

India is the second-largest importer of LPG globally, with consumption reaching about 33.15 million metric tonnes last year.

Nearly two-thirds of the country’s LPG demand is met through imports, and a significant portion of these supplies comes from the Middle East, which accounts for roughly 85–90% of LPG shipments to India.

With tensions escalating in the region, authorities are taking precautionary steps to minimise any potential disruption to fuel supplies.

Refineries Asked to Boost LPG Production

Under an order issued late Thursday, domestic refineries have been directed to maximise LPG production.

Refineries have been asked to fully divert available propane and butane, the two primary components used to produce LPG, toward cooking gas production.

This step is intended to increase domestic output and create a buffer against possible import disruptions.

Priority Supply to State-Run Oil Companies

The government has also instructed producers to prioritise supply to India’s major state-run oil marketing companies:

• Indian Oil Corporation (IOC)
• Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL)
• Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL)

These companies handle the bulk of LPG distribution across the country through their Indane, HP Gas, and Bharat Gas networks.

Ensuring a steady supply to these companies is seen as crucial for maintaining household LPG availability nationwide.

What It Means for Guwahati Households

For residents of Guwahati, where LPG cylinders remain the primary cooking fuel in most households, the government’s move is aimed at preventing any disruption in cylinder availability or delivery schedules.

The city receives LPG supplies through the national distribution network managed by the three state-run oil marketing companies.

Officials say the measures are designed to ensure that consumers in cities like Guwahati do not face sudden shortages or delays even if global supply chains are affected.

Global Situation Being Closely Monitored

Energy authorities are closely monitoring developments in the Middle East, as prolonged instability could influence global energy prices and shipping routes.

While the current measures aim to maintain stability, experts say sustained disruptions in international supply could eventually affect pricing or logistics if the situation escalates.

What Happens Next

Domestic refineries are expected to increase LPG production in the coming weeks as part of the government’s contingency strategy.

Officials will continue monitoring both global crude markets and LPG import flows to ensure that household fuel supply across India—including Guwahati—remains stable.

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